More absentee ballots to count in this election

October 19, 2004

CHICAGO — Hundreds of absentee ballots from voters registered in Chicago but living abroad or serving in the military that would not have been counted in past years will be tallied in the Nov. 2 general election, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners announced Monday.

Under a new ruling, requested by the Chicago board, the Illinois State Board of Elections has held that military and overseas absentee ballots can be counted up to 14 days after the election. Previously, ballots had to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Under the ruling, the only requirement is that ballots must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. the day before the election.